• Independence Day 2023: When was 'Jana Gana Mana' adopted as India's National Anthem? Know here

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    Independence Day 2023: When was 'Jana Gana Mana' adopted as India's National Anthem? Know here
    The song "Jana Gana Mana" was first performed at a Congress gathering in Calcutta on December 27, 1911.
     
    Digital Desk: On August 15, millions of Indians will come together to celebrate Independence Day by singing Rabindranath Tagore's masterpiece "Jana Gana Mana" harmoniously. This beloved song represents love, pride, and intense emotion for the Indian people in addition to serving as the nation's anthem. After India gained independence from British rule, it was chosen as the country's anthem, indicating its profound significance.

    At a Congress gathering in Calcutta on December 27, 1911, the song "Jana Gana Mana" was first performed. Since then, the lyrics and melody of this song have become an integral part of Indian identity. Notably, Subhash Chandra Bose introduced a Bengali-to-Hindi translation of the national hymn in 1941. Army Captain Abid Ali oversaw the translation, and Captain Ram Singh contributed to the musical composition. This version of the song has also been translated into 22 other languages, including English, enabling its meaning to be understood by all.

    The first President of India, Rajendra Prasad, officially recognised "Jana Gana Mana" as the country's official national anthem on January 24, 1950. This song was initially written in Bengali and was influenced by Sanskrit, which is why it contains vocabulary that is common to many Indian languages. As a result, speakers of many languages can appreciate its depth in terms of culture and lyricism.

    The Indian Constitution's Article 51A(a) emphasises the duty of Indian people to respect the national anthem and the national flag, which is appropriate given their significance. The importance of upholding the constitution's principles, rules, and symbols—which stand for the nation's pride and unification—is emphasised by this clause. Section 3 of the National Honour Act of 1971 lays forth severe penalties for any act that disrespects the national anthem or flouts the related customs.

    The song "Jana Gana Mana," which captures the unity, diversity, and cultural richness that define the country, will resound throughout schools, universities, clubs, and homes as India unites in song and spirit on this Independence Day.